Hogwarts Express: Time Travel

XXXII. Lupin

XXXII. Lupin

Two weeks later. A great buzzing queue of students -- Third Years and older -- each clutching a permission for -- pass by a glowering Filch.

McGonagall: Remember! These visits to Hogsmeade Village are a privilege. Should your behavior reflect poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again. [Annie approaches her with a frown, but before she can utter a syllable, she cuts her off] No permission form. No visiting the Village. That's the rule, Potter.

Annie: Yes, Professor, but I thought if you said I could go --

McGonagall: But I don't say so. A parent or guardian must sign, and since I am neither, it would be inappropriate. [a flicker of pity flashes in her eyes] I'm sorry, Potter. But that's my final word.

"Oh come on Minnie, that was harsh, you could've just signed her the permission"

"But she won't be able to go to Hogsmeade" Marlene gasps

"What about her date!" A Hufflepuff gasps in shock

"Who cares about the date, it Hogsmeade we're talking about, not being able to go sucks, imagine all the things she'll miss"

McGonagall frowns upon watching even her thinks it was about harsh that she didn't sign her the go, why was she being so strict about it

Ron and Hermione -- watching Annie expectantly from across the way -- see her turn, shake her head. Their faces fall. Annie raises her hand in farewell and watches them go.

Annie: Just go I'll wait for you

Hermione: I'll tell Cedric you couldn't make it [To which Annie nods grateful]

"Oh that too bad!"

Lupin: So. No Hogsmeade, eh ?

Deep in the distance, some boys skate about on brooms, tossing a ragged Quaffle back and forth. Annie and Lupin walking along the bridge.

Lupin: Well, don't feel too bad. I was roundly disappointed the first time I went.

"That a lie!" James gasped

"You wouldn't leave Honeyduke!" nodded Sirius

Annie: Really?

Lupin: No. I was just trying to make you feel better. Honeydukes' sweets are the best in the world. Their Pepper Imps are so strong you smoke at the ears. And Zonko's Joke Shop may be dangerous, but you can't beat their Stink Pellets.

Laughter breaks through the hall again making James and Sirius nod their heads proudly to Remus who only shook his head being done with their antics while Lily smiled to him again grateful that he was taking care of Annie

Annie: [nodding glumly] Not to mention The Shrieking Shack, which, according to Hermione, is the most severely haunted building in Britain.

Remus's smile turned sour while James and Sirius glanced at him and shook their heads as if saying 'don't feel bad about it mate' but it didn't stop the guilt nor make it go away, he and his friends were the only ones who knew why it was there in the first place.

Lupin: Yes, that too...

Annie: Professor, can I ask you something?

Lupin: You'd like to know why I stopped you from facing the Boggart. [Nodding at Annie's surprised face] I should think it'd be obvious. I assumed the Boggart would take the shape of Lord Voldemort. [Annie frowns. Lupin studies her curiously]